I am happy to announce that my new Himalayan-jazz fusion album, Elevated Cell Count, drops next week. Catch the first single, Mysterious Infection, streaming in every hospital emergency room in the country!
So, my latest medical adventure left me in the hospital for the past 36 hours with a yet-to-be-diagnosed bacterial or viral infection. I am home now, but still a bit under the weather.
On a good note, the initial diagnosis of c. diff, a possibly life-threatening to cancer patients bacterial infection, came back negative. On a less-than-good note, the doctor’s still don’t know what is going on.
I wasn’t feeling too well after my fourth chemo infusion this past Wednesday – go figure! After staying awake in pain and misery all night on Friday, I had my wife take me to the emergency room Saturday morning.
Initial blood work showed my body was fighting some kind of infection as my white blood cell count was through the roof. Which, I suppose, is better than the alternative of being neutropenic…another fun and unpredictable side effect of chemotherapy.
After numerous tests – some results still pending – the doctor’s whittled down the root cause to one of three things:
- Viral infection that just has to run its course.
- Bacterial infection or parasite that will come to light when all my medical cultures and tests finish in the next couple of days – apparently, some needed 72-96 hours to gestate and manifest.
- Simple side effects of chemo.
Regardless of the cause, I am amazed, once again, at the power of prayer and good will on my behalf!
No sooner did word get out that I was in the hospital than the prayers and supplications on my part started to flow. There is power in all of your support for me and my family.
The doctor’s were convinced I had c. diff. That would have resulted in a multiple-day stay in isolation in the hospital with a very intense antibiotic treatment regime…granted I responded well to treatment. I don’t even want to think of the alternative.
Instead, I am home now in the comfort of my bed, surrounded by family. And I am feeling a little bit better, too boot!
This journey that began with my cancer diagnosis has been mine to bear. But it is not a journey of solitude, isolation, and seclusion.
Thank you to all who support me. We are crushing this cancer, together.
Twentythree/5 
Dave,
It’s amazing how a microscopic bug can leave us feeling wiped out. I’m glad you are still managing to sustain your sardonic sense of humor. (how’s that for alliteration?) Not knowing the specific cause of what’s going on can be agonizing. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the doctors will have determined what kind of bug you’ve got. Nobody’s safe it seems. Even beach-goers this summer are worried about the bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus which could cost you an arm and a leg if you’re not careful. Bugs take all the fun out of summer! And what’s the ‘ninja killer’ look you’re sporting with the beanie and PJs? Next time say “Cheese!” Hang in there buddy. We’re all rooting for you!
Pat
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